As Apple gears up for the launch of the iPhone 16 series, its primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn, has taken significant steps to meet the expected surge in demand. The Taiwanese company has reportedly recruited an additional 50,000 workers at its largest assembly plant in Zhengzhou, China. This move is crucial as the facility, often dubbed “iPhone City,” is responsible for producing approximately 80% of the world’s iPhones.
This recruitment drive is part of Foxconn’s annual strategy to ramp up production ahead of Apple’s September iPhone launches. In addition to increasing the workforce, Foxconn has also enhanced its compensation packages to attract new employees. The company has offered higher hourly wages of up to 25 yuan (around $3.49) and bonuses as high as 7,500 yuan (approximately $1,046), marking a significant increase from previous months.
Apple is reportedly anticipating strong demand for the iPhone 16, driven by new features and a recovering market in China. The iPhone 16 series is expected to include innovative upgrades, such as thinner bezels, improved displays, and enhanced camera capabilities, including a rumored 5x optical zoom on the Pro models. Additionally, the introduction of Apple Intelligence features may encourage more users to upgrade from previous models.
The increased production is also in response to Apple’s broader strategy, which includes higher component orders from suppliers like Samsung and LG. This aligns with the company’s goal to produce around 90 million iPhones this year, reflecting a 10% increase from previous targets.
With the official launch just weeks away, Foxconn’s efforts highlight the critical role of manufacturing in Apple’s global supply chain, particularly in maintaining its leadership in the highly competitive smartphone market.
